Podcasts about methodist

Series: A Life Poured OutScripture: Psalm 112First Methodist Church of Opelika is an exciting, historic, and growing Methodist church that is inviting our community to find and follow the Spirit-led life in Jesus. Founded in 1837, First Opelika has a rich history of influencing and impacting families in the Opelika/Auburn and surrounding community. The church is currently in a season of revitalization and is laying the foundation for effective ministry in the next season of her life as an independent Methodist church.For more information, check us out at www.firstopelika.org or www.facebook.com/firstopelika

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, May 24, 2026, Pentecost Sunday. “We Know Who We Are” series. ​​​​Texts: Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-22​​​​   Last Tuesday evening, I found myself seated at a table listening to live jazz in the nave of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. The occasion was the celebration for my mentor, Rev. Dr. Serene Jones upon her retirement as president of Union Theological Seminary after an extraordinary 18-year tenure. It was such a gift not only to be in the room with and for Serene, but to reflect on her influence upon my life through her words, actions, and friendship. And when she rose at the end of the evening to address the crowd, she urged all of us to pay attention to the prompting of Spirit and to follow God's call on our life.   It was a gift to receive this charge: to ponder, remember, and honor God's call upon my life and how Spirit has been falling afresh on me at every age and stage of my journey. Sometimes Spirit's meddling and God's call have felt aggravating, disruptive, heavy, and even painful. But, with every twist and turn along the way, God has brought me through and Spirit has stirred me to keep going.   And the truth is, I didn't always recognize Spirit's presence while it was happening. Sometimes it was only later, looking back, that I could see how God had been nudging and guiding and sustaining me all along. Maybe you know something about that too. Maybe Spirit has shown up in your life in ways you didn't fully recognize at the time—in a relationship that changed you…a burden you couldn't shake…a moment of courage you didn't know you had…a conviction that kept growing in you…a grief that opened your heart…or a persistent tug toward compassion, justice, mercy, or love.   And it makes me think about how we focus just one day of the liturgical year on the miraculous story of Spirit blowing into the community of Jesus's disciples and setting them on fire to move out into the streets to tell God's deeds of power. But, really, Spirit is at work in all sorts of ways all the time.   I get it, though, why we make a whole day out of Pentecost. It is a powerful story, the church's origin story really, of the moment when the disciples realized that Jesus' promises would be kept—that the Holy Spirit would baptize them and empower them to continue the saving work of God in the world. That very day they did things that seemed impossible—they spoke in ways that people from all over the known world could understand. And in that moment Peter recognized and proclaimed the fulfillment not only of the promise of Jesus, but the prophecy of Joel. That God would pour out Spirit upon all flesh, empowering all to have visions and dream dreams and prophesy. It's very dramatic—like a sci-fi movie that brings unlikely people together acrossunimaginable odds to do extraordinary things—with the bonus of great special effects. And I love it! But I also recognize that Pentecost wasn't the first time Spirit showed up among the disciples. Maybe it was the first time they recognized so clearly the Spirit who had been carrying them all along.   How else were they able to have the courage to leave their familiar lives to follow Jesus? How else were they able to go into villages and tell the good news and care for the sick and those struggling with their demons? How, apart from Holy Spirit, did they feed the five thousand? How did they stay together after the trauma and terror of crucifixion?   And maybe that's why I love the quieter story in John chapter 20 so much. The disciples have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief, fear, trauma. By watching everything they thought was going to happen collapse before their eyes. They are huddled behind locked doors, trying to figure out what comes next.   And then Jesus comes among them—not first with demands or instructions, but with peace. “Peace be with you.” And then he breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” And honestly, I need to receive this right now and am pretty sure I'm not alone. I believe many people have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief. By fear. By the cruelty and chaos of this moment. By exhaustion. By disillusionment with the church. By watching Christianity so often get presented as domination instead of service, exclusion instead of welcome, certainty instead of compassion.   And on this Memorial Day weekend, many of us are carrying grief not only for lives lost in service, but also for the deep fractures in the country those lives sought to protect.   Many of us wonder whether the church can still mean something beautiful. Whether faith can still sound like Jesus.   We need the story we tell today! John and Acts tell it differently—but perhaps they are showing us two movements of the same Spirit. In John, Spirit comes like breath in a fearful room—restoring peace, courage, and life to weary people. In Acts, Spirit comes like wind in the streets—pushing those same people beyond fear and beyond every barrier to bear witness in a broken world.   But it is the same Spirit. The Spirit who restores breath to weary people. The Spirit who revives people who have had the life knocked out of them. The Spirit who reminds fearful people who they are.   And only then comes the sending. Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you…” Notice that Jesus does not come into the room and say, “Once you've resolved all your fear…once you feel confident…once you fully understand everything…THEN I'll send you.”   No. The doors are still locked. The disciples are still afraid. And yet Jesus breathes Spirit into them anyway. God's mission doesn't wait for us to feel ready. Spirit meets us in the midst of fear, uncertainty, grief, and confusion—and sends us anyway.   What does it mean to be sent by Jesus as Jesus is sent by his Father? If the accounts of Jesus' life are our guide, then it means that we, like Jesus, are sent into the world to bring healing into places of suffering, hope into places of despair, mercy and forgiveness into places of sin, comfort into places of grief, peace into places of violence, love into places of hatred. To be sent as Jesus is sent is to be bearers of God's life in the world, to put our lives on the line for the sake of justice, and to stand in solidarity with those who are hurt by the systems of the day.   As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are a people who are not only gathered into the family of God—those who “go to church”—but we are also, inherently, a sent people, called to BE the church all the time and in every place we are.   Think for a moment of the life-giving rhythm of our bodies breathing in and breathing out. A healthy body needs to do both. The in-breath of the Body of Christ—the church—is the Spirit gathering us in to be loved, supported, fed, strengthened, and given purpose through sacrament and worship and study and community. Every Sunday or whenever we gather, the Body breathes in, takes in God's grace and power. And the out-breath is like the Spirit of God blowing out across the chaos of the world at the very beginning, bringing peace and new life. The “sent-ness” of the church is like that—the church moving out into the chaos and brokenness of the world to bring love, mercy, healing, and hope. Every day between Sundays the Body exhales, breathing the Spirit into places thirsty for life and hope and kindness.   As the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, famously said: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.   I remember during the painful debates and divisions of the United Methodist General Conferences of 2016 and 2019, one of the pieces of legislation brought to the floor proposed changing the United Methodist mission statement—which is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”—by dropping the second half: “for the transformation of the world.”   I was aghast at the idea. It felt like a vision of discipleship focused only inwardly, as if Jesus followers were meant to crowd back into locked rooms and focus only on their personal “disciple” ticket. It sounded like a church withdrawing its prophets from proximity to the powers and principalities that so desperately need their voice. It sounded like a church trying to hold its breath. I'm happy to say the legislation didn't pass. Because the story of this day—the story of Pentecost, the story of the work of Holy Spirit in and through disciples across the ages—is clear: Spirit always exhales—sending us into the world to embody the love and justice of Christ. The way we say it at Foundry is “Love God. Love each other. Change the world.”   And so I want to extend to you the same charge I received from Serene: pay attention to the prompting of Spirit who is always at work and respond to God's call on your life. Every day. In all the ways and places and by whatever means you can. And if you aren't sure where to begin, I invite you to decide right now on one act of service or outreach you will do this week, even small, for the wider community. Just do one concrete act of service beyond your usual routine. It could be running an errand for a friend who needs a hand. Or calling your state or federal representatives. Or paying for someone's meal. Or any other thing that Spirit prompts.   Because Spirit has been nearer than you realized all along. And Spirit will keep giving you breath—and wind at your back—to move beyond yourself and into the wondrous, love-fueled mission of God.

Trinity Sunday: Faith, Doubt, and the Mystery of GodRev. Laura Johnson | North Raleigh United Methodist ChurchWhat if doubt isn't the opposite of faith?On Trinity Sunday, Rev. Laura Johnson explores one of Christianity's most profound mysteries: the doctrine of the Trinity. Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, she examines the surprising detail that even as the disciples encountered the risen Jesus, "some doubted."This sermon challenges common assumptions about doubt and faith. Looking at the original meaning of the biblical word for doubt, Rev. Johnson suggests that doubt is often not disbelief, but the natural human response to encountering realities that are bigger, deeper, and more beautiful than we expected.Along the way, she guides listeners through the church's historic understanding of the Trinity, exploring how early Christian thinkers wrestled with the mystery of one God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than offering easy answers, this message invites us to embrace humility, wonder, and curiosity as we grow in our relationship with God.Whether you're wrestling with questions, seeking a deeper understanding of Christian theology, or simply longing for a faith that can hold both conviction and mystery, this sermon offers encouragement for the journey.Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20North Raleigh United Methodist ChurchRaleigh, North CarolinaLearn more about our church and ministries at North Raleigh UMC.Topics Covered:Trinity SundayThe doctrine of the TrinityMatthew 28 and the Great CommissionFaith and doubtThe Nicene CreedChurch history and theologyThe Father, Son, and Holy SpiritChristian discipleshipSpiritual growth and questioning faithKeywords: Trinity Sunday, Holy Trinity, Matthew 28, Great Commission, faith and doubt, Christian theology, Nicene Creed, United Methodist Church, Methodist sermon, Rev Laura Johnson, North Raleigh UMC, Christian discipleship, Holy Spirit, Father Son Holy Spirit, church history, resurrection, biblical interpretation, Christian faith, Raleigh NC church, Sunday sermon

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Crowhill and Pigweed drink and review a Sweet Baby Jesus chocolate peanut butter porter and discuss a question that's challenged churches and society for centuries. Should religion and politics mix?Using a collection of social issue position papers published by the United Methodist Church as a starting point, the conversation explores the history of Methodism, from John Wesley's "heart strangely warmed" experience and the Holy Club at Oxford to the circuit riders who helped spread the movement across the American frontier. Along the way, they examine how Methodism became deeply associated with social reform, including efforts against slavery, drunkenness, and other social ills.The discussion then turns to modern political issues, including immigration, worker justice, climate change, the death penalty, abortion, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Crowhill and Pigweed consider how churches apply biblical principles to contemporary policy debates, where the line between moral teaching and political advocacy should be drawn, and whether clergy are always equipped to speak authoritatively on complex public issues.A recurring theme is the idea that movements formed in crisis often institutionalize a crisis mentality. If a religious movement was born by confronting genuine social problems, does it eventually develop a habit of searching for the next great cause? And does that tendency sometimes lead churches to exaggerate modern problems by comparing them to historic struggles such as slavery, Jim Crow, or the civil rights movement?It's a wide-ranging conversation about faith, public life, church authority, social reform, and the challenges of living out religious convictions in a deeply political age. Plus, as always, there's a beer review to get things started.

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Send us Fan MailWhat happens when faith moves from the head to the heart? This Pentecost message explores the fire of the Holy Spirit, the “strangely warmed” heart of John Wesley, and why many believers settle for cold religion when God offers living communion with Christ.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Date May 24, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we trade the exhaustion of trying to "bat 1,000" for the scandalous grace of Pentecost—a day when God pours out a Spirit not for the perfect, but for "all flesh." We explore how our fragile, forgetful, and silver-haired humanity is exactly where the Holy Spirit chooses to take up residence. You are invited to stop waiting until you have it all together and instead become God's greatest surprise: the Risen Christ showing up in the middle of our beautifully broken lives. References Scripture: Acts 2:1–21 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

This is an excerpt from Chapter 5 of “Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?,”
entitled “A Nation Founded on Christian Principles?”      Listening to the stories of Christian nationalists, one might become persuaded that the United States descended from heaven. Any assertion that the United States was founded on Biblical and Christian principles must also concede that slavery was part and parcel of an unbiblical and unChristian version of so-called Biblical and Christian principles. It is not necessary to attribute the founding of the nation to the Bible or an organized Christian effort. Any review of the actual history of the founding of the United States, absent spiritualized narratives, shows that highly educated and brilliant men were responsible for debating, working, and creating the founding philosophies and documents. All the Framers were informed by their education, experiences, and faith. They were also informed by selfish motivations and economic interests.   It is noteworthy that the Framers decided not to include Scripture in the founding documents. This is consistent with their objective to avoid creating a nation controlled by the church or by religion. Below is a summary of the Framers: Almost all of the 55 Framers had taken part in the Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces, most in positions of command. All but two or three had served in colonial or state government during their careers. The vast majority (about 75%) of the delegates were or had been members of the Confederation Congress, and many had been members of the Continental Congress during the Revolution. 25 had been state governors. More than half of the delegates had trained as lawyers (several had even been judges), although only about a quarter had practiced law as their principal means of business. Others were merchants, manufacturers, shippers, land speculators, bankers, or financiers. Several were physicians or small farmers, and one was a minister. Of the 25 who owned fellow humans, 16 depended on slave labor to run the plantations or other businesses that formed the mainstay of their income. Most of the delegates were landowners with substantial holdings, and most, except for Roger Sherman and William Few, were very comfortably wealthy. George Washington and Robert Morris were among the wealthiest men in the entire country. Much of that wealth was built through the unpaid labor of enslaved persons. Of the 55 Framers, only one was a Christian minister. Regarding the religious faith of the Framers: Of the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, 28 were Anglicans, 21 were other Protestants, and two were Roman Catholics (D. Carroll and Fitzsimons). Among the Protestant delegates to the Constitutional Convention, eight were Presbyterians, seven were Congregationalists, two were Lutherans, two were Dutch Reformed, and two were Methodists. A few prominent Founding Fathers were anti-clerical notably Jefferson. It is a reach of imagination and romanticism to believe the 55 Framers acted as a group of Christians in consultation with the Scriptures and prayer. The work of the Framers, as is the case with most good work, owes to the skill of the persons working, whether Christian or non-Christian. One very significant factor argues against the rosy Christian nationalist perspective about our nation's founding: SLAVERY. For many of us, celebrating our nation's founding as a triumph of the Bible and Christianity is offensive given the treatment and property status of our ancestors. To be sure, the formation of the United States, developing the governing documents, and organizing independent colonies was a triumph of human enterprise and self-governing. The telling of history cannot overlook owning, selling, and abusing humans in the service of other humans used to build their economy, was decidedly ungodly. It was not something Jesus would have done. The historic facts regarding the formation of the nation are compelling reading without the hyperbole of a Christian nationalist narrative. The facts are far more interesting than the fabrications.   -  

Patrick answers uncomfortable questions that demand clarity and real answers about family dilemmas surrounding IVF and awkward moments at Mass. He speaks straight, whether addressing baptism without parental consent, why Catholics shouldn’t receive communion in Methodist services, or confronting end-of-life trials with medical decisions. Every call sparks his candor and keeps the conversation both grounded and utterly unpredictable. Email - What is the best response to a relative who is excited to tell you that her daughter and husband are going through IVF and they have three embryos? (01:15) April - Why isn't there any historical evidence for Jesus outside of the Bible and Christian literature? (10:01) Judy (email) - There are several times during mass when people hold their hands facing up and then go even higher with their hands. I wonder where that came from and what you think. (15:28) Jim - IVF does affect medical workers too. Our sonogram technician was shaken because she said people decide which babies live and which ones die. (20:53) Rebecca - I grew up Catholic and my grandmother was Methodist, but they celebrated Communion. Was it ok for me to take Communion with them? (23:15) Anna - Does a grandparent have the authority to get grandchild baptized without parent's approval? (29:01) Patty (email) – Are you not aware that OCIA programs are flourishing? (33:21) Talina - Who created God? (35:05) Angie - My brother-in-law is declining and we are doing extraordinary means to keep him alive. Is it ok for us to stop medication. (44:08) (Originally Aired on 03-18-2026)

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Why are there so many Christian denominations? Do the differences actually matter? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham break down the biggest Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostals, while explaining what truly separates them theologically. This conversation clarifies essential doctrines, denominational differences, church history, biblical authority, and how believers can wisely choose a healthy church without falling into confusion or unnecessary division. In this episode, you'll learn: Why denominations exist Which doctrines are essential for salvation Key differences between major Christian groups How to evaluate healthy churches Why biblical truth matters more than labels Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Rev. Jonathan Brown 05/11/2026 Sometimes the things that become central to who we are begin as a surprise. They do not always arrive with a clear plan, a perfect explanation, or a sense that we understand exactly what we are saying yes to. Sometimes a door opens, an invitation comes, a possibility appears, and only later do we realize that something important in us began to take shape there. When Francis came to us at eleven, he spoke very little English. I spoke no Spanish. Katy knew a bit. And DC Child and Family Services seemed to consider a person bilingual if they had Google Translate on their phone. Every day, I thank God because his young mind has been able to adapt to our language, while I still find myself cursing Duolingo. And since Francis became part of our family, he has also become an accomplished cyclist. He has won two Under 19 series championships, and he spends his free time training to get better. At our local bike shop, someone told us he was a unicorn because he fell in love with cycling even though his parents were not already obsessed with it. This was not a family culture he simply inherited. It became his. One day after a race, I was kind of in awe of him and all he had accomplished, and I asked him, “Francis, how did this happen? How did cycling become your thing?” And he said, “Do you remember when I first moved in with you, and you asked if I wanted a bike?” I said, “Yes.” And he said, “I did not know what you were saying, and I did not want to be rude, so I just said yes. Then I fell in love with it.” I love that. Because so much of life is like that. One day, seemingly out of the blue, something comes into our lives that we did not plan for and could not have predicted. At first, it may feel random. It may feel small. It may feel like a simple yes to a simple question. But over time, that unexpected beginning can become a practice, then a passion, then a major part of who we are. A bike becomes more than a bike. A first ride becomes a rhythm. A rhythm becomes a love. A love becomes part of someone's identity. And that helps me hear Mark's story with fresh ears. Simon and Andrew do not wake up that morning knowing they are about to become disciples. James and John do not begin the day expecting their lives to turn in a new direction. They are working. They are casting nets. They are mending nets. They are living the life they know. Then, seemingly out of the blue, Jesus walks by and says, “Follow me.” What may have felt sudden in the moment becomes the beginning of their identity. They will come to be known as disciples, apostles, witnesses, people whose lives are forever shaped by Jesus. One ordinary day becomes the day they discover the call that will define them. In this first movement of our series, we are asking one of the most basic and important questions Christians can ask: Who are we? In a culture that often tells us our worth depends on success, power, control, or fear, the gospel speaks a deeper truth. We are beloved. We are called. We are connected. We are sent. And today, we begin with this: we know who we are because we know who we follow. We follow Jesus. Mark tells the story with striking simplicity. Jesus passes along the Sea of Galilee and sees Simon and Andrew casting a net into the sea, because they are fishers. Jesus says to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately, they leave their nets and follow him. Then Jesus goes a little farther and sees James and John, the sons of Zebedee, mending nets in their boat. He calls them too, and they leave their father in the boat with the hired men and follow him. That whole scene unfolds with surprising simplicity. Jesus walks along the water and sees ordinary people in the middle of their ordinary work. The call of Jesus meets them right there, in the texture of daily life, among boats, nets, family, labor, and responsibility. Before they have time to prepare themselves, before they know where the road will lead, Jesus invites them into a new life. He finds them in the routines they know and calls them toward a future they cannot yet imagine. That is good news, because many of us assume that if God is going to call us, we need to be somewhere else first. We need to become more faithful, more prepared, more certain, more spiritually mature. But Mark tells us Jesus calls people in the middle of life. Jesus calls them as they are, but he does not leave them as they are. “Follow me,” he says, “and I will make you fishers of people.” That phrase can sound strange to us, especially when it has been used in ways that feel manipulative or aggressive. But Jesus is calling them into a way of life that gathers people into the nearness of God. He is calling them to participate in healing, mercy, liberation, forgiveness, and beloved community. Jesus calls these first disciples to walk with him until his way becomes their way. That is discipleship. Discipleship is the lifelong practice of being shaped by the one we follow. That is why this sermon title matters: “We Know Who We Follow: Jesus.” The church is always tempted to forget. We are tempted to follow success, fear, nostalgia, outrage, or whatever gives us belonging without transformation. But Christians belong to Jesus Christ. And Jesus shows us who God is. As we follow Jesus through Mark, we see what God's life looks like in the world. We see Jesus announcing good news, healing bodies, restoring people to community, touching those others refuse to touch, feeding hungry people, welcoming children, challenging religious hypocrisy, confronting oppressive powers, and refusing to abandon the vulnerable. We see him going to the cross rather than returning violence for violence. We see him raised by God, with the promise that death and empire and abandonment do not get the final word. So when we say, “We follow Jesus,” we are saying our lives are being reoriented around the crucified and risen Christ. We are saying that the clearest picture we have of God's character is Jesus eating with sinners, touching the untouchable, forgiving enemies, blessing the poor, challenging the powerful, and giving himself in love. That is not ideology. That is a way of life. This is where our United Methodist tradition helps us. Methodism began as a renewal movement of people who wanted to follow Jesus with their whole lives. Early Methodists gathered in societies, classes, and bands. They prayed together. They confessed sin together. They studied scripture together. They gave money to the poor. They visited the sick and imprisoned. They held one another accountable in love. As the movement grew, John Wesley gave the people called Methodists what became known as the General Rules: first, do no harm; second, do good; third, attend upon all the ordinances of God. In more recent years, Bishop Rueben P. Job helped many United Methodists recover the power of these rules in his book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living . Job summarized Wesley's General Rules in language that has become familiar across our tradition: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These rules are a way of asking, every day, “What does it mean to follow Jesus here?” What does it mean to follow Jesus in this conversation, this conflict, this family, this workplace, this church, this neighborhood, this moment? There is a sitcom called The Good Place that, beneath all the jokes, bright colors, frozen yogurt shops, and absurd afterlife architecture, is really about moral formation. The show begins with Eleanor Shellstrop waking up after death and being told that she has made it into “the Good Place.” But Eleanor quickly realizes she does not belong there. In life, she had been selfish, rude, careless, and often cruel. So at first, her moral project is not really about becoming good. It is about passing as good. That is part of what makes the show so funny and so honest. Eleanor wants to learn enough ethics to blend in. She wants goodness as a disguise. And if we are honest, that is not always far from how people can treat religion too. We can learn the language, the gestures, and the right answers. We can learn how to pass as good. But Jesus does not call us to pass as faithful. Jesus calls us to follow. And this is where Chidi becomes so important. Chidi Anagonye is a moral philosophy professor. He knows the ethical theories. He can explain Kant, Aristotle, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and moral duty. If anyone should know how to be good, it should be Chidi. But Chidi's problem is that knowing about goodness does not automatically make him free to live it. He is so afraid of making the wrong choice that he struggles to make any choice at all. His knowledge is real, but it has not yet become courage. His ethics are serious, but they have not yet become love in motion. That makes Eleanor and Chidi surprisingly helpful for the church. Eleanor reminds us that faith is not about passing as good. Chidi reminds us that faith is not only about knowing what is good. Knowledge matters, but knowledge alone is not discipleship. Discipleship is when what we know becomes a life. Discipleship is when truth becomes practice. Discipleship is when grace becomes courage, mercy, forgiveness, service, and love. Over time, Eleanor and Chidi both change because they are drawn into a deeper kind of formation. Eleanor has to practice honesty, compassion, and care for someone beyond herself. Chidi has to practice trust, courage, and choosing love even when he cannot calculate every possible consequence. In other words, both of them have to be discipled beyond appearance and beyond certainty into faithfulness. That is what makes The Good Place surprisingly Wesleyan. The characters become different not because they master one idea or earn enough points, but because they keep practicing a better way of being human. Christian faith is not self improvement with hymns. The gospel is grace. It is God meeting us before we are ready, loving us before we are worthy, and calling us before we fully understand where the road will lead. But grace does not leave us unchanged. Grace begins to form us. That is why the Methodist tradition has always cared about practices. We practice faith because practice keeps us open to the love that is already working on us. We practice doing no harm. We practice doing good. We practice staying in love with God. And over time, through the mercy of God, those practices begin to shape us into people who look a little more like the one we follow. The first rule is: do no harm. Harm is not only physical violence. Harm can come through words, neglect, silence, systems, assumptions, jokes, posts, grudges, and the people we refuse to see. To follow Jesus is to ask: Is my life causing harm? Are my words causing harm? Are my habits causing harm? Are my comforts causing harm? Most of us are not being asked to leave literal nets on the shore, but we may need to ask what nets we are holding. What old ways of being keep catching us? What habits make us feel safe but keep us from love? The second rule is: do good. Christian faith is about participating in God's healing of the world. “Follow me,” Jesus says, “and I will make you fishers of people.” In other words, your life is going to become part of God's work of gathering, healing, feeding, forgiving, restoring, and liberating. Sometimes doing good is serving someone who cannot repay you. Sometimes it is telling the truth when silence would be easier. Sometimes it is forgiving someone, apologizing, showing up, or acting with courage at work or at home. The third rule is: stay in love with God. Wesley's original language was “attend upon all the ordinances of God,” meaning the practices that keep us open to grace: public worship, prayer, searching the scriptures, receiving communion, fasting, Christian conversation, and works of mercy. In other words, stay close to the practices that remind you who you are and whose you are. Because we cannot follow Jesus for long on outrage, willpower, or guilt alone. We need grace. We need prayer. We need worship. We need scripture. We need communion. We need community. We need people who help us remember when we forget. And we do forget. The disciples forgot. Peter left his nets immediately, but later denied Jesus three times. James and John followed Jesus, but later argued about greatness. They followed, but they stumbled. They were called, but they were not instantly complete. And that should comfort us. Following Jesus does not mean we never fail. It means that when we fail, grace calls us again. This matters because the world is full of rival formations. Every day, something is trying to disciple us. Fear disciples us. Consumerism disciples us. Nationalism disciples us. Algorithms disciple us. Anger disciples us. Anxiety disciples us. The endless need to prove ourselves disciples us. The endless need to belong by having an enemy disciples us. So the question is not whether we are being formed. The question is: Who is forming us? So when we talk about discipleship, we are talking about formation. We are talking about what shapes our loves, habits, reflexes, speech, courage, compassion, and imagination. The world is constantly discipling us into anxiety, resentment, consumption, suspicion, and fear. But Jesus calls us into another formation. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and then teaches us the way of mercy, justice, courage, humility, forgiveness, and love. And when Jesus says, “Follow me,” he is giving us both a command and a promise. “Follow me, and I will make you…” The making belongs to Jesus. The transformation belongs to grace. Jesus calls us as we are, and then grace begins its work. Grace teaches us to do no harm. Grace strengthens us to do good. Grace draws us deeper into love with God. Grace makes us into people who can bear witness to another way of life. So this week, choose one small way to follow Jesus intentionally. Serve someone. Forgive someone. Act with courage in your work or home. Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God. Not because these practices save us by our own effort, but because they open our lives to the grace that is already calling us. Because somewhere, even now, Jesus is walking along the shoreline of our ordinary lives. He sees us. He knows us. He calls us. And his invitation is still the same: “Follow me.” May we have the grace to leave behind what binds us. May we have the courage to walk in his way. May we have the humility to be made new. And may our lives become a clear witness to the truth we proclaim: we know who we follow. We follow Jesus. Amen.

In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Marine Corps combat veteran and author Keith Cole for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, burnout, faith, resilience, and recovery. Keith shares his journey from growing up wanting to become a Methodist minister to serving as a machine gunner in Vietnam, where he was wounded three times in combat. After returning home, he carried decades of emotional weight in silence while building a successful career as a CPA, raising his younger siblings after the loss of his mother, and pushing himself beyond exhaustion. Eventually, burnout caught up with him. Keith opens up about the sleepless nights, emotional turmoil, drinking, and the breaking point that led him to cry out to God for help — a moment that ultimately inspired his book, Burnout: God's Recovery Plan. Together, Paul and Keith discuss: Vietnam combat experiences and trauma The emotional toll of notifying families of fallen Marines Why so many people suffer silently Burnout in veterans, professionals, caregivers, and everyday life The importance of asking for help Faith, discipline, and healing Creating healthy routines and boundaries Keith's PRAISER recovery framework and workbook This conversation is especially powerful for anyone feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out from carrying too much for too long. Keith's story is a reminder that recovery is possible - and that asking for help is not weakness, but strength. Connect with Keith Cole: Website: recoverybyfaith.com Book: Burnout: God's Recovery Plan  

Good morning. As the sun finally begins to coax flowers into bloom, the Chelsea Flower Show will open its gates today. The Royal Horticultural Society's annual event sees organisations create beautiful planted spaces, which inspire and educate visitors. With our news headlines full of unremitting contempt and calamity, millions of us will tune into coverage of Chelsea this week for relief. I'd like to think this is more than just a comforting distraction.Christian writer CS Lewis wrote about his vision of hell in the novella ‘the great divorce'. Hell was a place of continual twilight where people moved further and further apart into infinite space, driven by mutual suspicion and a sense of time ticking down. Paradise, by contrast was a place of colour, fruitfulness, and sunshine – open to anyone bold enough to stay. In paradise, people were unafraid of each other or the future. They sought out newcomers, working to convince them to remain.The show gardens at Chelsea may be sanctuaries of beauty, but they are also about shared spaces and living well together. Many, like the Trussell ‘together' garden, are inspired specifically by the way communities deal with hardship – the Trussel Trust's foodbanks tackle food poverty. Like Lewis' paradise, communal gardens like this one combat the notion that safety and solace can only be had by building walls and retreating from the world.John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote a collection of health remedies based on what people could grow or source themselves. Titled ‘Primitive Physick' and published in 1747 it would run to 23 editions during his life. Although his remedies were of their day, his commitment to people's access to healthcare and use of what was readily available still bears weight. Today, the rooftop garden of the national Methodist offices in London is planted with herbs and flowers used in Primitive Physick, recognising the importance of gardens to our collective mental and physical well-being.A reality of life in Britain today is that access to outdoor space is not equal: many do not have gardens. A Christian vision for good community still resists the notion that beautiful outdoor spaces are only the preserve of private wealth. After the show, all of the Chelsea gardens will find their way out into communities around the country – plants will go to balconies, windowsills and neglected urban spaces, gardens to hospices, schools, and the verges of motorways. They will join many other community gardens schemes, allowing even those of us who live surrounded by pavement, to put our hands in soil and see something grow. These gardens are places of retreat, yes: but also places of truth telling about the quiet work of living peacefully together.

This special episode of Honoring the Journey is an insightful group conversation between Leslie and five guests — physicist Jenny Nielsen, mathematician-turned-writer Nish Dubashia, theologian John Van de Lair (South Africa), philosopher Eric English, and author/publisher Keith Giles — all contributors to the anthology book Quantum Theology, Volume 1. The discussion begins with playful introductions and embarrassing playlist confessions before diving into the core thesis: that quantum physics — particularly concepts like entanglement, non-locality, and the wave function — may scientifically validate what mystics and early Christians have long taught about the interconnectedness of all things and humanity's inseparability from God. The guests explore how quantum thinking reframes traditional Christian doctrines around sin, salvation, the nature of God, the devil, and prayer, arguing that the illusion of separation from God is the root of spiritual dysfunction, and that concepts like coherence and entanglement map surprisingly well onto the teachings of Jesus and Paul. The conversation closes with each guest sharing their diverse religious backgrounds — Catholic, Hindu, Methodist, Baptist, and non-religious — all of which converged on this same quantum-informed spirituality, and Keith encourages anyone curious to pick up the book on Amazon, with Volume 2 already in progress. Get your copy of Quantum Theology HERE! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Pick up Leslie's book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Date May 17, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we dismantle the cultural idol of selfish ambition to uncover the radical liberation found in Christ-like humility. We explore the "Christ Hymn" of Philippians, discovering that true divine power isn't found in climbing the ladder of empire, but in the courageous descent to serve others. By choosing the bottom, we find a unity that transcends our divisions and a love that washes the feet of both friend and betrayer alike. About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Henry Augustin Beers, native of Buffalo, NY and professor of English at Yale, with the help of John Fletcher Hurst (1834-1903), Methodist bishop and first Chancellor of American University, has written a sweeping thousand 900 year history of English literature, up to the end of the 19th century. Although at times biased and sometimes misguided (as when he dismisses Mark Twain as a humorist noteworthy in his time but not for the ages), his research is sound and his criticism is interesting and quite often very balanced. In addition, the last chapter of each part is Hurst's synopsis of religious and theological literature in the language. This book is interesting for its point of view, but also useful as a jumping-off point for those interested in reading the classics. (Summary by Kalynda)Genre(s): History, Literary CriticismLanguage: EnglishKeyword(s): American Literature (38), English literature (36), history of literature (1), Beers: English literature (1), beers (1)

The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is one of the ecumenical (shared by multiple denominations) feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter according to inclusive counting, although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to the following Sunday, sometimes called Ascension Sunday. The day of observance varies in many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestant Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, Methodists, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox. Enjoy this special reading from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 16. Gospel of Mark available at https://amzn.to/3X3m9Ba Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq Catholicism series Video Box Set at https://amzn.to/4vd0pBp Catholicism series Book at https://amzn.to/3RdVuBk ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bible Audio narration: Book of Mark-Chapter 3 (WordProject, International Biblical Association); Angus Dei music is a vocal arrangement of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings by the Cambridge Trinity College Choir (Catholicism series, Word on Fire & Picture Show Films). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us are living accidentally.We put thought into our workouts, our careers, and our calendars. But when it comes to marriage, family, faith, rest, or even our attention, many of us just react to whatever comes next. Over time, that kind of drifting shapes us more than we realize.There's a better way, and it's the reason we're called “METHODists.

This is the May 17th Sunday sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Luke 18:9-14.

Learn More about Peter at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petertmclaughlin/ and his work at : https://blueskyhypnosis.com Follow him on Social Media: Twitter: https://x.com/PetMcLaughlin IG: https://www.instagram.com/thepetermclaughlin/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueSkyHypnosis Show Notes   

A Brief History of English and American Literature (Pt.1)Henry Augustin Beers, native of Buffalo, NY and professor of English at Yale, with the help of John Fletcher Hurst (1834-1903), Methodist bishop and first Chancellor of American University, has written a sweeping thousand 900 year history of English literature, up to the end of the 19th century. Although at times biased and sometimes misguided (as when he dismisses Mark Twain as a humorist noteworthy in his time but not for the ages), his research is sound and his criticism is interesting and quite often very balanced. In addition, the last chapter of each part is Hurst's synopsis of religious and theological literature in the language. This book is interesting for its point of view, but also useful as a jumping-off point for those interested in reading the classics. (Summary by Kalynda)Genre(s): History, Literary CriticismLanguage: EnglishKeyword(s): American Literature (38), English literature (36), history of literature (1), Beers: English literature (1), beers (1)

The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ (also called the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord) commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is one of the ecumenical (shared by multiple denominations) feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter according to inclusive counting, although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to the following Sunday, sometimes called Ascension Sunday. The day of observance varies in many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestant Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, Methodists, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox. Enjoy this special reading of the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24. Breathe Bible Audio CD available at https://amzn.to/3CPRa4x Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/3M6sTId Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Breathe Bible podcast (LifeAudio Podcast Network, Salem Web Network). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. Join Mark on one of his social media platforms to comment, discuss, and analyze this episode’s Testament passages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kailey Johnson didn't grow up dreaming of being a coach.She grew up in it.From playing in the sand pits as a kid while her dad coached… to competing as a hurdler at Central Methodist… to now standing on the other side of the track as a coach — her journey is a full-circle story that hits different.What makes this episode even more special?Back in January of 2021, her head coach — Kenny Anderson — joined the Gill Connections podcast as Guest #85.At that time, Kailey was a freshman athlete on his team.Now… she's on the coaching staff.That evolution is what this podcast is all about.

Send us Fan MailPastor Johnnie preaches a message on John chapter 14.Support the show#sermons   #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Imagine a new believer looking for a church in the yellow pages. He will see names like Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran. Episcopal, and perhaps a few others. He ,might wonder, which is the right church? Much confusion has arisen because people fail to distinguish between the organized, institutional churches and the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ made up of His genuine followers. Do you know the difference between the churches and the Church? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Imagine a new believer looking for a church in the yellow pages. He will see names like Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran. Episcopal, and perhaps a few others. He ,might wonder, which is the right church? Much confusion has arisen because people fail to distinguish between the organized, institutional churches and the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ made up of His genuine followers. Do you know the difference between the churches and the Church? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

Date May 10, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the defiant nature of joy as an unbidden guest that arrives precisely when we expect it least. Drawing on the series Surprise Party: 50 Days of Enchantment, we examine how the Apostle Paul—writing from the claustrophobia of a prison cell—aligns himself with a "do-it-again" God whose very nature is delight. We are invited to stop resisting these fleeting moments of grace and instead receive them as a holy resistance against a disenchanted world. Ultimately, we discover that when joy finds us amidst our grief, it is not a betrayal of our pain but a profound encounter with the nearness of God. References Scripture: Philippians 1:1–18 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

This is the May 10th Sunday sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Luke 18:1-8.

Join Jesse Enniss and John Yeager as they chat with Kaury Edwards, a visionary Annual Conference worship leader preparing to pass the baton after four years of shaping unforgettable conference experiences. Kaury shares the meticulous process of blending deep-rooted Methodist traditions with bold, innovative design that reimagines sacred space — from stunning backdrops inspired by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour to visual art that celebrates 660+ churches. You'll discover how intentional planning, community participation, and spiritual discernment turn routine gatherings into Holy Spirit-filled Annual Confernce celebrations. Show Notes:  Annual Conference 2026 - June 18-21. Lake Junaluska, NC Failure-Sparked Innovation: The Key to Ensuring the Future of Local Churches by Kaury C. Edwards Chapters  00:00 The Heart of Annual Conference Worship 03:02 Planning and Preparation for Annual Conference Worship 06:05 Balancing Tradition and Creativity 09:11 Creative Elements in Worship 12:06 Engaging with Juneteenth 15:00 Transitioning Out of Leadership 18:01 Strangely Heartwarming Moments 22:42 Connecting Through Liturgy 23:59 Bold Creativity in Worship 26:21 Epic Fails 30:23 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth 32:24 The Spirit's Role in Community 35:12 Anticipation for Annual Conference

It's Witness Wednesday! Todd talks with four students on campus, each with some kind of religious background or moral framework. Across the episode, Todd keeps pressing the same essential issue: God is just, man is guilty, and Jesus Christ is the only Savior. The gospel is not moral improvement, religious heritage, spiritual preference, or doing the best you can. It is Christ taking the punishment sinners deserve and crediting His righteousness to those who repent and trust Him. Segment 1 • Casey believes “karma” settles the score—but who's actually keeping track of right and wrong? • If morality is just personal preference, why does guilt feel so real—and so unavoidable? • Casey admits he doesn't know the gospel… so what happens when God judges by His standard, not yours? Segment 2 • Nathan says he believes in God—but when asked why, he can't give a clear answer. Would you? • If you think you're a “good person,” do you actually pass God's test—or fail it completely? • The pieces finally connect: if Jesus died for sinners… what does that require from you right now? Segment 3 • Kevin has a Methodist background—but can't explain what he actually believes. Does that sound familiar? • If nobody's perfect, shouldn't effort count? Or does God demand something far higher? • The courtroom analogy hits hard: if you're guilty, how can justice and mercy both be satisfied? Segment 4 • A graduate student thinks grace + good works might balance out—but is that how salvation works? • What if your best deeds are still corrupted at the root—would that change everything? • Justification vs. sanctification: are you trusting Christ alone… or subtly trusting yourself? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

In a move that defies the stereotype of American mega-churches, the pastor of 24,000-strong Methodist parish in Kansas has announced he's running as Democrat for the US Senate in November. Adam Hamilton is also a best-selling author and podcaster. Hamilton joins a growing chorus of Christian ministers who are reclaiming faith from pro-Trump forces. But he's careful to stress, he's no liberal. Kathryn Post, a journalist from the Religion News Service is following this historic race.As the Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion begins public hearings, we begin a three-part series on how three faith communities – Christian, Jewish, and Muslim – responded to mass violence inflicted on them. The gunmen inspired by the Islamic State group who opened fire on the Jewish Channukah festival in Bondi Beach last December brought religious violence to Australia at an unprecedented scale. But as those who've suffered similar tragedy shows, it is possible to rebuild. Our series, After the Storm, has already begun as a podcast on ABC Listen. But we're bringing part of those stories to air. This week, author Kevin Sack looks at the 2015 tragedy at the Mother Emmanuel Church, an historic Black congregation in South Carolina. Kevin spent a decade working on his landmark book, Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church.And you can hear the full length podcast of the Kevin Sack interview here

In a move that defies the stereotype of American mega-churches, the pastor of 24,000-strong Methodist parish in Kansas has announced he's running as Democrat for the US Senate in November. Adam Hamilton is also a best-selling author and podcaster. Hamilton joins a growing chorus of Christian ministers who are reclaiming faith from pro-Trump forces. But he's careful to stress, he's no liberal. GUEST:Kathryn Post from the Religion News Service is following this historic race.

Author, songwriter, musician, husband, father, retired Postmaster, certified Methodist lay-preacher, former newspaper reporter, US Navy veteran, and long-time announcer at Sandwich (NH) Fair antique tractor pulls. Website: https://rickclogstonauthor.com/  Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Key-Shattered-Worlds-trilogy/dp/B0FC1NPJL8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CXZUU9J7SLJM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GaLcA7UEaBrMgDdfodAvbvg9Gm817X1-pYAeCl05PE8.KBo9KT0x4gbkqX73T19fDHgMj_sQ0TdvMzjp3pXLlk8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+princess+key+rick+clogston&qid=1756429793&sprefix=the+princess+key%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1  The Rick Clogston Band YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOso9SbvYrB37suhKRJFDQ   The Rick Clogston Band / Red Hat Band Bandcamp page:  https://redhatband1.bandcamp.com/releases  Rick Clogston, Author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574026660635  Rick Clogston / The Rick Clogston Band FB page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rick-Clogston-The-Rick-Clogston-Band-100063504369759/  CallumConnects Micro-Podcast is your daily dose of wholesome leadership inspiration. Hear from many different leaders in just 5 minutes what hurdles they have faced, how they overcame them, and what their key learning is. Be inspired, subscribe, leave a comment, go and change the world!

Author, songwriter, musician, husband, father, retired Postmaster, certified Methodist lay-preacher, former newspaper reporter, US Navy veteran, and long-time announcer at Sandwich (NH) Fair antique tractor pulls. Website: https://rickclogstonauthor.com/  Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Key-Shattered-Worlds-trilogy/dp/B0FC1NPJL8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CXZUU9J7SLJM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GaLcA7UEaBrMgDdfodAvbvg9Gm817X1-pYAeCl05PE8.KBo9KT0x4gbkqX73T19fDHgMj_sQ0TdvMzjp3pXLlk8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+princess+key+rick+clogston&qid=1756429793&sprefix=the+princess+key%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1  The Rick Clogston Band YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOso9SbvYrB37suhKRJFDQ   The Rick Clogston Band / Red Hat Band Bandcamp page:  https://redhatband1.bandcamp.com/releases  Rick Clogston, Author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574026660635  Rick Clogston / The Rick Clogston Band FB page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rick-Clogston-The-Rick-Clogston-Band-100063504369759/  CallumConnects Micro-Podcast is your daily dose of wholesome leadership inspiration. Hear from many different leaders in just 5 minutes what hurdles they have faced, how they overcame them, and what their key learning is. Be inspired, subscribe, leave a comment, go and change the world!

Send us Fan MailPastor Johnnie preaches a message from John chapter 10.Support the show#sermons   #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Author, songwriter, musician, husband, father, retired Postmaster, certified Methodist lay-preacher, former newspaper reporter, US Navy veteran, and long-time announcer at Sandwich (NH) Fair antique tractor pulls. Website: https://rickclogstonauthor.com/  Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Key-Shattered-Worlds-trilogy/dp/B0FC1NPJL8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CXZUU9J7SLJM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GaLcA7UEaBrMgDdfodAvbvg9Gm817X1-pYAeCl05PE8.KBo9KT0x4gbkqX73T19fDHgMj_sQ0TdvMzjp3pXLlk8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+princess+key+rick+clogston&qid=1756429793&sprefix=the+princess+key%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1  The Rick Clogston Band YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOso9SbvYrB37suhKRJFDQ   The Rick Clogston Band / Red Hat Band Bandcamp page:  https://redhatband1.bandcamp.com/releases  Rick Clogston, Author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574026660635  Rick Clogston / The Rick Clogston Band FB page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rick-Clogston-The-Rick-Clogston-Band-100063504369759/  CallumConnects Micro-Podcast is your daily dose of wholesome leadership inspiration. Hear from many different leaders in just 5 minutes what hurdles they have faced, how they overcame them, and what their key learning is. Be inspired, subscribe, leave a comment, go and change the world!

Date May 3, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we confront the "surprise" no one wants: the devastating gap between the miracle we prayed for and the reality of grief. Amidst the heartbreak of losing a beloved child, we set aside the party to sit in the honest, defiant landscape of Psalm 23. We discover a God who doesn't offer trite explanations but a relentless, pursuing presence—a love that chases us even into the darkest valleys. When words fail, we find our way forward by simply showing up and mirroring the stubborn, enduring mercy that refuses to let us go. References Scripture: Psalm 23 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Send us Fan MailRomans 6: Dead to Sin, Alive to God Co-hosts Ken Corkins and pastor Rocky Alison discuss Romans 6:1–14 (RSV), focusing on Paul's rejection of antinomianism (“Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means”) and the teaching that believers have died to sin. They explain “baptized into Christ's death” as the first-century conversion process where confession, repentance, baptism (likely immersion), and church acceptance occurred together, signifying regeneration (“born again”) and a new life. Dying with Christ means release from sin's debt and slavery, while resurrection life begins at conversion, not only after physical death, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. They address whether Christians can live sin-free, noting Paul's coming struggle in Romans 7, and introduce the Methodist doctrine of entire sanctification as moments of being “perfected in love” toward God and neighbor. They announce a one-week break due to Rocky's trip and Ken's move. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 00:31 Romans 6 Reading 02:22 Grace vs Sin Debate 04:06 Baptized Into Death 05:18 First Century Baptism 09:54 Regeneration Born Again 12:47 Freed From Sin 16:02 Resurrection Starts Now 18:04 Sin No Dominion 20:23 Entire Sanctification 24:58 Wrap Up and Next TimeNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser  Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team.Cover Art: Joe WagnerRecorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock 

Your soul is being shaped every day— by something you barely notice.Money is one of the most powerful forces shaping your soul. Not just in the big decisions, but in the small ones you barely think about. What you spend without hesitation. What you second guess. What feels normal to you now.Join us as we draw on wisdom from the Bible and from the Methodist tradition to help us turn our hearts to that which is more true!

A sermon preached by Ed Crump with Foundry UMC, April 19, 2026, the second Sunday of Easter.   Texts: Isaiah 51:1–6; Luke 24:13–35 April 19, 2026 Good morning. Will you pray with me, May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be pleasing to you God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.   There are moments in life when everything you thought was solid… suddenly isn't. Plans collapse. The future you trusted no longer exists. Many of us have had those moments since January 20, 2025. Some of us are dealing with illness or a sick loved one. Some of us have experienced heartbreak. Some of us are lonely. Some of us are feeling financial insecurity. And when we experience those things, usually all we can do is put one foot in front of another.   In our text from Luke this morning, that's where we meet the disciples: Not triumphant.  Not celebrating resurrection.  Not even waiting in hope. They are walking away from Jerusalem. Away from the place where everything fell apart. Away from the cross. Away from hope. Two friends walking away together. They say, “We had hoped…”  And note they use the past tense. “We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.”   Not just grief, but disorientation.   Their understanding of God, of justice, of the future has all unraveled. The Jesus they were presented with did not meet their expectations, so they had difficulty recognizing and accepting him. And if we're honest, many of us know that road. We know what it is to say, “I had hoped…” And for some communities, that sense of “we had hoped” is not just a moment or a season, but a painfully long history. A history of displacement, of promises broken, of identity challenged or erased.   Today, as we mark Native American Ministries Sunday, we remember that Indigenous peoples across this land are not abstract names from a history book. They are living communities, with real histories, sacred languages, deep wisdom, and enduring resilience with cultures that existed for thousands of years before their land was taken from them. And many carry stories of disruption and loss that echo, in their own way, that same cry: “we had hoped.” On this special Sunday during Easter Season, I want to read Foundry's WE ARE ON NATIVE LAND statement: When we gather for worship and ministry on the corner of 16th and P, we do so upon the sacred, traditional, and unceded lands of the Anacostan, Massawomack, Susquehannock, Piscataway, and Pomunkey peoples, who were forcibly removed from this area to allow for English settlement. As occupiers of their territory, we recognize them as the original and perpetual stewards of this land and gratefully acknowledge our responsibility for a more honest recounting of our history that empowers us to work for the thriving of all people!     Now hold that ugly, inconvenient reality alongside the voice from the prophet Isaiah we read this morning: “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness… look to the rock from which you were hewn.” Isaiah is speaking to a people who are also disoriented. They are exiled, displaced, unsure of who they are anymore. In the wake of the Babylonian Exile, everything that once defined them: land, temple, nation, has been stripped away. They are not just geographically displaced; they are spiritually disoriented, wondering if they are still God's people at all. And into that uncertainty, God does not begin with explanation but with invitation: “Look to the rock from which you were [cut].” Isaiah says to remember Abraham and Sarah, how God brought life out of barrenness, promise out of impossibility. In other words, Isaiah is saying, your identity is not determined by your present loss, but by God's enduring faithfulness. Scripture tells us that every human being is made in the image of God. That's why we proclaim that truth in rainbows and banners right out front:  “No matter anything, you are welcome here to be met by our God, who knows you by name, and who loves you, and who wants to have an ever deepening relationship with you. Welcome.” That means no people, no culture, no community is less-than.   Even now, God says, salvation is on the way, not just for you, but as a light for all nations. What feels like an ending is, in God's hands, still unfolding. The prophet Isaiah says: “For the Lord will comfort Zion… will make her wilderness like Eden.” What looks barren is not the end of the story. But here's the tension between our texts from Isaiah and Luke today: On the road to Emmaus, the disciples know the story. They know the Scriptures. They know the promises. And still…they're walking away. They really don't understand what's going on. And then, all of the sudden, without announcement, Jesus comes alongside them. And they don't recognize him. He's not what they expected. Not what they had “hoped for.” Luke tells us, “their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” The risen Christ is right there walking beside them, and they don't recognize him. [PAUSE]   Why don't they know it's Jesus? I don't think it's because they're actually foolish. And I don't think it's because they completely lack faith. Rather, I suspect it's because sometimes grief closes our vision. Sometimes disappointment narrows what we can imagine God doing; or loved ones doing; or our ability to persevere.   And what does Jesus do when the disciples don't recognize him?  …and I think this is one of the most instructive parts of this passage… Jesus listens. He lets them tell the story. Cleopas basically says, ‘Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what happened to Jesus?' …to Jesus. …and what's really amazing is, Jesus lets them tell HIS OWN story and he just listens…he doesn't jump in and say, well of course I know the story, it's about me! He keeps quiet. He lets them name their grief. He lets them speak their dashed hopes out loud. And only then does he begin to reframe things. “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he reframes the story. Not as failure. Not as defeat. But as part of a larger unfolding, where suffering and glory are somehow, mysteriously intertwined. This is where Luke and Isaiah meet. Isaiah says: Do not trust only what you see. God's future is bigger than your present reality. Jesus says: You are reading the story too narrowly.   But even after this incredible moment of teaching…the Disciples still don't recognize Jesus! Not yet. It's not until they reach the village. Not until there's an invitation. Not until they sit down. Not until they share a meal. In a text clearly designed to evoke the image of the Eucharist it says, “He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them.” Then, and only then, do they recognize him. Not in the explanation. Not in the argument. But in the breaking of the bread. In the shared table. In an act of community. And this is exactly why John Wesley refers to Holy Communion as a “means of grace.” An opportunity to have a real encounter with God and Spirit.   According to the UMC website, a “means of grace” in the Methodist and Wesleyan tradition is: “...an ordinary channel—such as prayer, Scripture, or Communion—through  which God invisibly works to strengthen, sanctify, and convey [God's] love to believers. These practices, categorized as works of piety and devotion; mercy and compassion, are not meritorious acts but instruments for receiving grace and cultivating personal and communal holiness.” And in our tradition we celebrate the Eucharist in an “open table” where we invite all who desire to be Christlike—regardless of denomination, membership, or baptismal status—to partake in Holy Communion. And that tells us something about how we understand God's vision. In the Interpretation Bible Commentary on Luke, Fred Craddock notes something profound,  “...Luke here tells us that the living Christ is both the key to our understanding the Scriptures and the very present Lord who is revealed to us in the breaking of bread. His presence at the table makes all believers first-generation Christians and every meeting place Emmaus.” The table is not a place where difference disappears. It is a place where difference is honored, and still, there is room for everyone.  The Gospel is Good News precisely because it declares this inclusiveness and abundance.  There is more than enough in God's economy. And then, just as suddenly, just at the moment they recognize who Jesus is, he vanishes. But something is different. Something has changed in them: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” The recognition was not just about realizing it was Jesus. It was about becoming people who can fully understand who Jesus is. People whose hearts are awake. People who remember who they are called to be and act accordingly.  And what do they do after they recognize Jesus? They get up, immediately, and go back. Back to Jerusalem. Back to the place they had fled. Because resurrection doesn't just comfort us. It sends us. It calls us to service in the priesthood of all believers. And when it sends us, it sends us not just with ideas, but with action.   The question for us is:  How do we recognize Jesus like the disciples did? How do we live into the love of Christ we are called to embody?     The Wesleyan answer to that question is — of course — through various “means of grace” like prayer and Holy Communion. Let me give a specific example…   One of the most helpful practices I've found to help me improve my conscious contact with God, allowing me to more fully perceive God's presence is Centering Prayer.   Centering Prayer is a simple form of silent, contemplative prayer that invites us to rest in God, not through lots of words or scripted prayers, but through quiet consent to God's presence.    The practice is to choose a “sacred word” like peace, love, grace, or Jesus, and use the word to pray with and connect to God, gently returning to the word whenever our mind wanders.   So the practice is to sit in silence, letting thoughts come and go, always returning to our sacred word as a way of opening ourselves to God.   I want to invite everyone to try Centering Prayer now for a couple minutes to get a taste for the practice:   Sit up straight - comfortable and alert Choose a “sacred word” Take a deep breath in and out And silently introduce your sacred word as a simple prayer.  This is like “placing yourself” in God's presence without effort or expectations.   [2 MINUTES OF SILENCE]     What many people discover is that, over time, this practice makes God's presence more accessible—especially in difficult moments. The sacred word becomes “top of mind” and can readily remind us that God is always here.   What I most of all want to do this morning is encourage all of us to explore various means of grace as we journey through life. To find practices that help us improve our regular conscious contact with God.    [PAUSE] So what does this all mean for us today? It means: Christ meets us on the road we didn't plan to walk. Christ listens to the stories we tell, even when they are full of disappointment. Christ reinterprets our lives in light of a larger hope. And Christ is made known, not just in grand moments, but I think mostly in simple acts: Breaking bread. Sharing space. Welcoming one another. In quiet moments of prayer, meditation, and contemplation. And it also means this: We are ALL invited to be part of what God is doing in the world. Not just as charity. But as a partnership. Not as rescuers. But as people willing to listen, to learn, and to walk alongside.   So if you find yourself today somewhere on that road— Carrying grief… Holding disappointment… Wondering where God is in all of it… …or walking alongside someone who is struggling… Pay attention. Because today's Scriptures tell us we do not walk the road alone. Who is representing Christ to you on your journey?  As we begin to fully perceive, we may also begin to see Christ in one another: in acts of compassion; in truth-telling; in shared table; in repaired relationships. May we, with God's help, not only recognize Christ walking with us, but also be willing to imitate Christ in lives of love, compassion, justice, humility, and shared humanity. Amen.

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Date April 26, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the radical, countercultural surprise of staying put. In a world that profits from our restlessness, we investigate how the "vow of stability" offers a defiant path toward reenchantment. By looking at the grounded presence of Paul and Silas in a midnight prison cell, we discover that the grace we seek isn't found in our escape, but in our commitment to remain present to the beautiful, heavy reality right where we are. References Scripture: Acts 16:16–34 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

“W” is for Wofford College. A four year liberal arts college in Spartanburg, Wofford College was founded with a $100,000 bequest from Methodist minister and Spartanburg native Benjamin Wofford.

In this episode of More to the Story, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Thompson to explore a major development unfolding within the Wesleyan world. Dr. Thompson has been part of the leadership team shaping the Antioch Connection, a new denominational‑like network forming among roughly 25 churches across Oklahoma and Arkansas.We dig into:• Why these churches are seeking a new structural model• How the Antioch Connection emerged and what it hopes to accomplish• The theological and missional convictions driving this movement• What this moment reveals about the broader landscape of Wesleyan bodies• How church structure can either hinder or unleash missionThis is an energizing conversation about innovation, ecclesial identity, and the future of Methodist ministry. If you care about how the church organizes itself for mission, you'll find this episode especially meaningful.Youtube - https://youtu.be/tkfQ2z1wjdUAudio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcastApple -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses, Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude andHeaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/coursesAnd don't forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon! Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching. Today's episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.eduIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! For more from Andy Miller III, visit andymilleriii.com or follow @andymilleriii on X.Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net

In today's conversation with Dr. Steve Seamands, we continue to explore how to deal spiritually with generational consequences. Steve served as the Professor of Basic Christian Doctrine at Asbury Seminary for close to 40 years. In addition to that class, he taught Introduction to Spiritual Warfare, Introduction to Healing Prayer, and a class studying the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Seamands has authored several books, including Wounds That Heal and Ministry in the Image of God (a Christianity Today book award winner). Now retired, he continues to pray and work actively toward the renewal of the Methodist tradition, serving as a prophetic voice, mentor, and all-around great guy!

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Date April 19, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the scandalous reach of Easter hope through the lens of Saul's blinding encounter on the road to Damascus. We confront a God who subverts our hierarchies of belonging, trading our rigid "safety patrol" certainties for a grace that reaches the very people we have labeled as "out." By examining the quiet bravery of Ananias, we are challenged to move beyond condemnation and embrace the radical humility required to call an enemy "brother." This is a call to inhabit the "Surprise Party" of the Gospel, where the scales of judgment fall away to reveal a kinship we never thought possible. About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

We discuss our Easter plans, I remember attending a Methodist preschool, Daniel isn't big into marshmallows, we read Spotify comments and discuss the costume party we're headed to later that day, Daniel misses my parents, we discuss Daniel's mixed feelings about being around people and we touch on Lindy West and Daniel's Red Hot Chili Peppers dream. Plus we did a round of JMOE, HGFY and Podcast Pals Product Picks. Get yourself some new ARIYNBF merch here: https://alison-rosen-shop.fourthwall.com/ Subscribe to my Substack: http://alisonrosen.substack.com Podcast Palz Product Picks: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen/list/2CS1QRYTRP6ER?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfalisonrosen_0K0AJFYP84PF1Z61QW2H Products I Use/Recommend/Love: http://amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen Check us out on Patreon: http://patreon.com/alisonrosen   Buy Alison's Fifth Anniversary Edition Book (with new material): Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me) https://amzn.to/2JuOqcd You probably need to buy the HGFY ringtone! https://www.alisonrosen.com/store/ Try Amazon Prime Free 30 Day Trial